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Coronavirus Update
Numerous events have been canceled and facilities are closed to help stop spread of Coronavirus. Check here for a complete list..


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  2. The Fountains are Open!


    Jordan Valley Park’s Ozark Stream and Fountains are open for the season, providing a free place for all ages to cool off in downtown Springfield. The Ozarks Stream runs continuously throughout the day. The fountain show takes place every hour, on the hour, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., for about 30 minutes. The fountains also run continuously 11 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change due to fountain maintenance, park rentals or community events. Admission to Jordan Valley Park is free, and parking is available at Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway.
    The Park Board’s outdoor swimming pools remain closed, but indoor pools are open at Doling and Chesterfield family centers, and daily open swim is offered at $3/youth and seniors, $4/adults. For more schedules, visit our aquatics page.

     



  3. Flutter By the Butterfly House


    The Roston Native Butterfly House is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. The schedule, however, depends on volunteer staffing availability. Call the Botanical Center at 891-1515, ext. 2, to confirm daily hours. Admission is free. Capacity inside the Butterfly House is limited, based on current city orders.

     



  4. Stroll around Mizumoto


    Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is also open for the season, following installation of new concrete sidewalks. The 7.5-acre walled was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. 891-1515

    AGE
    All ages
    TIME
    Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
    FEE
    $4/Adults, $2/Children 3-12 yrs. Kids 2 and under are free.

     

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Special Events




  2. 6K Social Distancing Fun Run


    6K Social Distancing Fun Run is a FREE event designed to get people out and competing while still practicing safe social distancing. Runners compete at their own pace on their own course and submit results once they complete their run. Runners are limited to one submission for the event. The leaderboard will be updated weekly so runners can keep track of how well they are doing. Race shirts available for $20.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Now-Aug. 2
    FEE
    Free!

     


  3. Fri., July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic


    Bring your favorite stuffed bear and celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day at the Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Register for a 45-minute session that includes story time, a craft, a game, scavenger hunt, photo ops and popsicles. Bring along a picnic to enjoy before or after your session. Event is free but registration is required. To ensure social distancing, each adult is limited to bringing two children. Deadline to register is July 8. Confirmation email will be sent out July 8.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Fri., July 10
    TIME
    11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Register for a 45-minute session
    LOCATION
    Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
    FEE
    Free

     


  4. July 13-18: Virtual Butterfly Festival

    Join Friends of the Garden online and on social media to celebrate and learn about gardening, nature and pollinators. Featuring a butterfly magic show with the Instars, garden storytime with the library, a kids pollinator costume contest and more! For a full schedule of events, please click here.



    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Mon.-Sat., July 13-18
    FEE
    Free



  5. Tues., July 29: World Tiger Day


    Free admission for active or veteran military and their immediate family members all day. Please provide military ID at the gate. Dickerson Park Zoo 891-1550

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Tues., July 29
    TIME
    9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Dickerson Park Zoo
    FEE
    $15/adults and teens, $12/Seniors 60+, $10/Children 3-12 yrs. (Wear stripes for $2 off)

     

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Fun for All Ages




  2. 6K Social Distancing Fun Run


    6K Social Distancing Fun Run is a FREE event designed to get people out and competing while still practicing safe social distancing. Runners compete at their own pace on their own course and submit results once they complete their run. Runners are limited to one submission for the event. The leaderboard will be updated weekly so runners can keep track of how well they are doing. Race shirts available for $20.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Now-Aug. 2
    FEE
    Free!

     


  3. Learn to Ice Skate


    Eight-week group skating instruction, includes eight free public session passes. Taught by USFS and PSA coaches. USFS membership required. Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    June 2- July 30
    FEE
    $100/Session includes skate rental, plus $16/year US Figure Skating Membership

     


  4. Learn to Play Hockey


    The fundamentals of hockey and hockey skating in an eight-week course. Includes eight free public session passes. USFS membership required. Jordan Valley Ice Park 866-7444

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    June 2- July 30
    FEE
    $100 includes skate rental

     


  5. Family Fishing Nights


    Bring the whole family for a relaxing evening of catch-and-release fishing, plus Cow Train rides and a campfire. Bring your own bait and gear. Limited fishing rod rentals available. Bring your own food to roast over the campfire. Disposable roasting forks provided or bring your own. Drinks and ice cream may be purchased in the Gift Shop. Space is limited to 50 people. Registration required by 5 p.m. the day before the event by calling 417-837-5949. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park 837-5949

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Fri., July 10
    TIME
    6-9 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
    FEE
    $5/participant when you bring your own bait & gear
    $10/participant if you rent fishing pole and bait from Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
    Free with paid adult/ age 2 yrs. and younger

     


  6. July 6: Cardio Kickboxing


    Learn the basics of kickboxing and burn calories with this high-intensity cardio workout. No registration required. View flyer.

    AGE
    5 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Begins July 6
    TIME
    Mon., 6-7 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    Free/Member, Daily fee/Non-member

     


  7. July 13-18: Virtual Butterfly Festival

    Join Friends of the Garden online and on social media to celebrate and learn about gardening, nature and pollinators. Featuring a butterfly magic show with the Instars, garden storytime with the library, a kids pollinator costume contest and more! For a full schedule of events, please click here.



    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Mon.-Sat., July 13-18
    FEE
    Free



  8. July 14-23: Pickleball for Beginners


    An instructor-led course focusing on the rules and fundamentals of pickleball. Fun for teens and adults of all ages! All equipment provided. Please register in advance, as space is limited!

    AGE
    10 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Session 4: July 14-23
    TIME
    Tues. & Thurs., 8-9 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    $20/Members, $30/Non-members

     


  9. July 14-23: Intermediate Pickleball


    Builds on the skills learned during Pickleball for Beginners and teaches more advanced skills for leagues and tournaments. All equipment provided. Please register in advance, as space is limited!

    AGE
    10 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Session 4: July 14-23
    TIME
    Tues. & Thurs., 7-8 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    $20/Members, $30/Non-members

     


  10. Tues., July 29: World Tiger Day


    Free admission for active or veteran military and their immediate family members all day. Please provide military ID at the gate. Dickerson Park Zoo 891-1550

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Tues., July 29
    TIME
    9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Dickerson Park Zoo
    FEE
    $15/adults and teens, $12/Seniors 60+, $10/Children 3-12 yrs. (Wear stripes for $2 off)

     

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Get Outside



  2. Intro to Paddling


    Learn beginner kayaking and canoe skills through fun games and activities, and then practice your new skills on Lake Springfield with knowledgeable instructors! For new and beginner paddlers of all ages. Topics include boat safety, basic paddling strokes for a canoe and kayak, where to go on your first float trip, and much more. Includes lifejackets and a free 1-hour boat rental for future use at Lake Springfield Park. Space is limited. Register by Fri., June 26 at 833-8647. Outdoor Initiatives 833-8647

    AGE
    8 yrs. and up (8-17 yrs. with an adult on-site)
    DATE
    Sun., July 19
    TIME
    2-3 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
    FEE
    $20/person

     

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Kids’ Sports & Programs



  2. Run for Fun Club


    Hop into summer with free kid-friendly creative exercise activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and getting kids running. The Run for Fun Club takes place every Saturday in June and July at Westport School-Park. Water and snacks provided. Register by May 31.

    AGE
    6-11 yrs.
    DATE
    June 6-July 25
    TIME
    Sat., 10-10:45 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Westport School-Park
    FEE
    Free

     


  3. SPARC Summer Adventure Camp


    An action-packed traditional summer camp experience with weekly themes, crafts, games and more, held at Pershing School. Space is limited, contact SPARC office at 417-837-3757 to register and inquire about waiting lists. SPARC 837-3757

    AGE
    5-14 yrs.
    DATE
    Now-Aug. 14
    TIME
    7-8:30 a.m. & 4:30-6 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Pershing K-8 School
    FEE
    $95/Week

     


  4. July 6-31: Before & After Explore Camp


    Join us before and after Springfield Public School’s Summer Explore program, for a fun camp-like experience with games, crafts, sports, teambuilding and more. Harrison, McBride, Truman, Watkins, Westport Elementary. Cherokee Middle Schools offers After Explore only. Space is limited. SPS schedules Explore Session 2 SPARC 837-3757

    AGE
    For students going into grades K-8
    DATE
    July 6-31
    TIME
    Before Explore: 6:30 a.m.-School begins After Explore: School Dismissal-6 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Harrison, McBride, Truman, Watkins, Westport Elementary. Cherokee Middle Schools offers After Explore only.
    FEE
    Before Explore: $20/Week or $5/Week with Free/Reduced Lunch status
    After Explore: $40/Week or $15/Week with Free/Reduced Lunch status

     


  5. July 6: Cardio Kickboxing


    Learn the basics of kickboxing and burn calories with this high-intensity cardio workout. No registration required. View flyer.

    AGE
    5 yrs. and up
    DATE
    Begins July 6
    TIME
    Mon., 6-7 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    Free/Member, Daily fee/Non-member

     


  6. Fri., July 10: Teddy Bear Picnic


    Bring your favorite stuffed bear and celebrate National Teddy Bear Picnic Day at the Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Register for a 45-minute session that includes story time, a craft, a game, scavenger hunt, photo ops and popsicles. Bring along a picnic to enjoy before or after your session. Event is free but registration is required. To ensure social distancing, each adult is limited to bringing two children. Deadline to register is July 8. Confirmation email will be sent out July 8.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Fri., July 10
    TIME
    11 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Register for a 45-minute session
    LOCATION
    Peace Through People Pavilion at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
    FEE
    Free

     


  7. July 11-Aug. 24: Tiny Dancers


    Learn basic movements of ballet while having a lot of fun.

    AGE
    3-4 yrs.
    DATE
    July 11-Aug. 24
    TIME
    Sat., 9-9:45 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    $30/Members, $40/Non-members

     


  8. July 11-Aug. 24: Kids Dance


    Basic Ballet and Jazz with beginning, intermediate, and advanced class offerings. Must be at least 5 years old.

    AGE
    5-10 yrs.
    DATE
    July 11-Aug. 24
    TIME
    Sat., time varies, click link for details
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    $30/Members, $40/Non-members

     


  9. July 13-Aug. 24: Youth Intermediate & Advanced Dance


    Teens and preteens continue developing ballet and jazz skills, while also incorporating contemporary elements. Prerequisite: Kids Dance or other dance experience.

    AGE
    11-18 yrs.
    DATE
    July 13-Aug. 24
    TIME
    Mon., 4:45-5:45 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    $30/Members, $40/Non-members

     


  10. Junior Golf Clinic at Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course


    PGA instruction of basic golf fundamentals for juniors. Includes putting, chipping, full swing and proper etiquette and course play. Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course 833-9962

    AGE
    7-15 yrs.
    DATE
    Session 2: July 13-17
    TIME
    8:30-10 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course
    FEE
    $80/session; $140 for both

     


  11. Sat., July 18: City Wide Youth Baseball Tournament


    3 game guarantee. Roster must be turned in prior to the start of your first game. Must have 4 teams in each division; spots are limited. Tournament pass will be sold for $5 at the gate.

    AGE
    CP7, CP8, CP9, MOD9, PP9, PP10, PP11, PP12, PP14
    DATE
    Sat., July 8
    TIME
    Varies
    LOCATION
    Cooper & Ewing
    FEE
    $145-$170/Team

     


  12. Generation Pound


    A youth-oriented program that fuses movement and music to improve focus, coordination, physical fitness and teamwork skills. Kids use special drumsticks and are encouraged to explore movement and embrace their creativity. Registration required by calling 837-5900 or at Doling Family Center front desk. View flyer.

    AGE
    6-14 yrs.
    DATE
    Session 2: July 22-Aug 12
    TIME
    Wed., 5:30-6:15 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Doling Family Center
    FEE
    Free/Member, Daily Fee/Non-member

     

Adult Sports & Programs



  2. 6K Social Distancing Fun Run


    6K Social Distancing Fun Run is a FREE event designed to get people out and competing while still practicing safe social distancing. Runners compete at their own pace on their own course and submit results once they complete their run. Runners are limited to one submission for the event. The leaderboard will be updated weekly so runners can keep track of how well they are doing. Race shirts available for $20.

    AGE
    All ages
    DATE
    Now-Aug. 2
    FEE
    Free!

     


  3. July 11-12: 50th Annual Governor's Cup


    Two-person scramble. Saturday Round No. 1 will be played at Bill & Payne Stewart Golf course and Sunday Round No. 2 will be played at Rivercut. 5 flights based on 100 teams with $1,000 for overall winning team, prizes in pro shop credit. Optional Skins game each day within flights $10 total. Optional Closest to the Hole contests each day $5 total. Tee times for Sunday will be determined after Saturday’s round.

    AGE
    18 yrs. and up
    DATE
    July 11-12
    TIME
    Sat., 8 a.m.-Sun., 3:30 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Bill & Payne Stewart and Rivercut Golf Courses
    FEE
    $270

     


  4. July 18-19: 2020 SGA Men City Championship


    Stroke Play July 18-19. Players of all abilities are welcome; divisions are flighted.

    AGE
    18 yrs. and up
    DATE
    July 18-19
    TIME
    Sat., 7:30 a.m.-Sun., 3 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Bill & Payne Stewart and Rivercut Golf Courses
    FEE
    $155

     

Accessible Recreation



  2. Pavilion Projects: Cedarwood Box


    Join us for a traveling series of craft projects of all varieties, while exploring different park pavilions! All adults ages 18 and up with a disability are welcome! Pre-registration required by calling 417-837-5808. Class sizes are limited and physical distancing guidelines will be followed. Face masks are encouraged.

    AGE
    Ages 18 yrs. and up with a disability
    DATE
    Tues., July 14, Fri., July 17
    TIME
    9:30-11 a.m.
    LOCATION
    Tues., July 14 at Sequiota Park Pavilion; Fri., July 17 at Phelps Grove Park Pavilion
    FEE
    $5/class

     
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